EasyJet cancelled 64 flights on Thursday, including 22 due to operate to or from the UK.

British Airways has offered customers due to fly to or from France on Thursday the opportunity to rebook.

The flag carrier will use larger aircraft where possible to enable passengers whose flights are cancelled to reach their destination.

The a irlines warned passengers that in addition to the flights that were cancelled a number of others were likely to be delayed.

Lobby group Airlines for Europe (A4E), which represents airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways' parent company IAG, has called for the European Commission and governments to take action to reduce the impact of ATC strikes.

The organisation wants neighbouring countries to be allowed to carry out ATC in airspace affected by industrial disputes.

A British Airways spokeswoman said: "Yet again the French air traffic control trade unions are causing unnecessary frustration and disruption for customers.

"We continue to urge the French government and the trade unions to resolve their issues so that customers can go on their holidays and business trips without these frequent threats of strike action hanging over them."

Robin Kiely, head of communications at Ryanair, said: " It's reprehensible that Europe's consumers repeatedly have their holiday and travel plans disrupted or cancelled by the selfish actions of ATC unions, who use strikes as a first weapon rather than a last resort.

"This French ATC strike will impact hundreds of thousands of European consumers and throw their travel plans into chaos once more.

" It's high time that the European Commission takes action to prevent these repeated ATC strikes from continuously disrupting the travel plans of millions of Europe's citizens and their families."

A spokesman for the Luton-based airline said: "E asyJet is disappointed at this unnecessary strike action causing further disruption for passengers and airlines across Europe."